Early Onset Breast Cancer Provider Risk Assessment
Does your patient have any of the following risk factors?
Follow-Up Recommendations
Patient Is at Higher Risk for EOBC
- Recommend an annual or semiannual mammogram and MRI. If the patient is under 30, start with an ultrasound. For patients with a history of thoracic radiation, start mammograms and MRIs 10 years after radiation.
- Refer to a genetic counselor for follow-up. Patients with known genetic risk factors may benefit from referral to a genetic counselor for additional follow-up.
Follow-Up Recommendations
More Information Is Needed
- Refer to a genetic counselor if gene mutation status is unknown.
Your Patient Is at Average Risk for EOBC
Encourage All Patients to Reduce Their Risk
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day.
- Breastfeed if they have a baby.
- Eat healthy.
- Engage in moderate exercise for 30 minutes per day, at least five days per week.
- Get 7 or more hours of sleep per night.
- Know what their breasts look and feel like and report any changes such as lumps, thickening or swelling, irritation, dimpling, redness, flakiness, nipple inversion, pain, or discharge to a health care provider.
- Learn their family history of breast and ovarian cancer and share it with their health care provider.
- For average-risk women, get a mammogram every two years from age 50 through 74. Screening can find problems early.
This tool is designed to help providers assess risk for early onset breast cancer (EOBC, breast cancer diagnosed in women before the age of 45) based on personal history, make appropriate referrals for follow-up care, and educate patients about risk reduction strategies. Recommendations are based on current peer-reviewed evidence for screening, counseling, testing, and education provided by the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Page last reviewed: September 27, 2021